Legendary U.S. doom band Sleep is pulling out of a scheduled 2018 tour of Australia and New Zealand, after sexual misconduct allegations were levelled against the former head of the band’s Australian tour promotion agency.
In a message posted to Facebook this afternoon, the band discussed their recent discovery of allegations made against Life Is Noise director Dave Cutbrush – and their decision to discontinue their relationship with Life Is Noise.
“We cannot and will not tolerate this behavior with anyone. We cannot tolerate or work with those who are complicit in this behavior either,” the band said.
The band said the decision was made with “great regret,” and apologised to fans looking forward to the January shows.
Earlier, Life Is Noise co-director James Midalia addressed the “recent reports of unacceptable behaviour towards women,” saying Cutbrush “will no longer have any involvement or association with Life is Noise, effective immediately.”
Life Is Noise has not yet provided information on refunds for the Sleep tour.
So far, no other international acts slated to tour Australia with representation by Life Is Noise have followed Sleep’s lead.
However, Industry Insider notes that Brisbane’s Crowbar – which is slated to host Wolves In The Throne Room and Chelsea Wolfe on their respective 2018 tours – issued a statement saying it is “in conversations” with Midalia on the status of those future gigs.
The move comes mere days after scores of women involved in the Australian music industry signed an open letter demanding “zero tolerance for sexual harassment, violence, objectification and sexist behaviours.”
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual harassment or assault, you can call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 for access to 24/7 support.
